Category: Breast Implants

My Boob Job in Seoul

I feel pretty ridiculous posting all of these before and after pictures from my boob job in Seoul. I’ve had a number of messages saying that people appreciate how candid I’ve been about all this (thanks for them!). With that in mind, I’m going to try to press on even though I feel silly and vain. My breast augmentation surgery in Seoul at TL Plastic Surgery with Seoul Cosmetic Surgery was really easy. My recovery was a lot easier than I expected. Every body reacts differently. Maybe it’s because I’m tall, muscular (erring on the heavy side), and generally take pretty good care of myself, but my recovery has been a breeze compared to a few other ladies who have had plastic surgery. Without further adieu, here are some before and after shots!

Boob Job in Seoul Follow Up

A day, a week, a month and 2 months after surgery I had follow up appointments to check the implants, incisions, and the surrounding tissue. I also had laser treatments to aid in the healing process of the incisions. Some other women I know who have had a boob job in Seoul haven’t had as many follow ups, so I’m pretty thrilled with the after-care of TL Plastic Surgery.

Can you believe how tiny my ta-tas were before? people thought I’d go full Dolly Parton with absolutely giant knockers. I didn’t want that! I just wanted nicely shaped breasts which suit my frame and height. I probably could have gone bigger, but didn’t want to look (or feel) fake. I rarely wear a bra now. My back doesn’t hurt. Life’s so much easier!

Wearing a Compression Garment After a Boob Job in Seoul

Wearing a compression garment has actually become more and more comfortable. You’re supposed to wear it for a month after surgery. I’ve seen so many women have issues with their breast implants starting to migrate and widen. My compression garment has actually been on the big side. I’m tall and have a big rib cage, but the tightest setting on my compression garment was still too loose unfortunately. I would advise that if you’re tall and/ or broad like I am, invest in a compression garment that fits your new chest right after your boob job in Seoul. You might want to check into buying one online as I’m not sure how many other compression garment styles are out there. Mine in particular was like a regular bra but without the underwire or the part covering the nipple. Some people compared it to a bondage look from the 70’s.

Are you considering plastic surgery in Korea? Make sure to reach out to the team at Seoul Cosmetic Surgery (info@seoulcosmeticsurgery.com) for the most transparent Q&A and easiest consultation experience. For more information about getting my breast implants in Seoul, check out the Booby Blog Archives!

What Happens After Getting a Boob Job?

I had a pretty unusual breast augmentation surgery experience in Korea. Seoul is the Plastic Surgery capital of the world. Leaving Korea without fixing my wonky-ass breasts would have been a mistake. Even though I always prided myself on changing my body for the better naturally, this was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.

Why Was My Breast Augmentation Surgery Different?

My breast augmentation surgery was unique for a few reasons. Apparently I had something called “tuberous breasts” or “constricted breasts”. As you can see in the above images, I was as flat as a board, but I didn’t realize that the surgery would be any more challenging than normal. My surgeon essentially had to pop my breast tissue out before inserting my 300 cc (left) and 320 cc (right) Motiva teardrop implants. Since I had my appendix removed in 2013, I also had some liposuction and my fat was grafted underneath the breast. I’ve seen other posts about fat grafting in Korea. One woman who was about 5’1″ had 1,600 cc extracted via liposuction. I only had 100 cc removed. The liposuction definitely helped with the area where my appendix had been removed through laparoscopic surgery, but the grafting didn’t really stick. I was back to the gym pretty quickly after surgery, so I worked it off fast. As you can see in the image up top, I was left with some serious bruising!

What Happens After Breast Augmentation Surgery in Seoul, Korea?

Click the play button above to check out my experience coming out of anesthesia at TL Plastic Surgery in Seoul, Korea. Mona and Dean from Seoul Cosmetic Surgery (a medical tourism service designed for foreigners) were there to help me every step of the way. Mona even came with me to stay in my hotel overnight. The first night is definitely the toughest, so it’s awesome to have someone around to help you in and out of bed and with any errands or even bag carrying. Once we got to the hotel things were pretty easy and I was maneuvering pretty well. Once it was time to sleep, however, breathing became tougher, getting comfortable was impossible, and getting up to go to the bathroom was a scene and a half. It definitely didn’t help that I had my period, either! For questions to ask your doctor before surgery, click here.

The Worst Part of Boob Job Recovery

Before surgery I made a promise to myself that I was going to get through the whole process easily and without complaining. I had my surgery Friday October 20th at 12:30 PM, and by Monday October 23rd I was back at work at 9 AM. What was the worst part of my breast implants recovery? The pressure was the worst part of the whole experience! I had a giant soft cast situation around my abdomen I had to keep on for several days after the itty bitty liposuction. I had several balls of rolled up cotton and gauze shoved around my new breasts and a band wrapped around several times to keep it all in place. I also had to wear my compression garment (a bra-like situation which looked like a costume out of some 1970’s bondage porn) for the first 2 months. The first night it was just a bit too much to handle. I couldn’t move properly in the bathroom. I couldn’t naturally pull myself out of bed. Even just breathing was absolutely exhausting. Let’s not talk about how bloated I was after anesthesia…

How Long After a Boob Job Can I…

Boob Job Recovery Day 2: Went to my first follow up appointment at TL Plastic Surgery. Slept by myself in my own bed. Had a friend over.

Boob Job Recovery Day 3: Back to work!

Boob Job Recovery Day 4: Flipped my head over and washed my hair by myself. I removed all the gauze and bandages and actually felt like a human again!

Boob Job Recovery Day 5: Rocked the compression garment and a loose top. Showered normally. Two very grateful thumbs up!

Boob Job Recovery Day 11: Went to the gym and walked at 6 km/ hr for 30 minutes. Took it nice and easy and built back up to 5 km in 28 minutes over the next few months.

Are you considering plastic surgery in Korea? Make sure to reach out to the team at Seoul Cosmetic Surgery (info@seoulcosmeticsurgery.com) for the most transparent Q&A and easiest consultation experience. For more information about getting my breast implants in Seoul, check out the Booby Blog Archives!

Motiva Breast Implants Surgery Day

On October 20th, 2017 I went “under the knife” at TL Plastic Surgery. Seoul Cosmetic Surgery‘s team was there for the entire process and my surgery was performed by the incomparable Dr. Yim Joonghyuk. In the video to follow, you’ll see that I had nerves about my surgery that day, but the jitters about the fact that I was actually getting plastic surgery by a Korean surgeon in a foreign country were gone. I had taken some long, hard, topless looks in the mirror, and realized that this was an opportunity I would never have again. After 12 years of considering breast augmentation, I was finally going to get the “Rolls Royce” of breast implants. This was my Motiva Moment.

How Did I Feel on Breast Augmentation Surgery Day in Korea?

Before your boob job surgery in Seoul, get a good night’s rest! Make sure you’re comfortable with your surgeon and their staff. My surgeon is super friendly and personable. He always made me feel like his #1 priority even though he’s one of the top 5 Plastic Surgeons in Korea, and probably the #1 Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Korea as well. He specializes in breast implants and body contouring, so you won’t see him handling any surgeries beyond. In my 2 consultations before my boob job surgery, I asked a number of questionsabout what to expect leading up to surgery, surgery day, and post-operation care. Even though we had already had 2 breast implants consultations, we reviewed my questions again. They offered to let me try the sizers again, but I didn’t want the hassle. Before surgery for my Motiva breast implants I felt confident.

What Happens the Day of Breast Implants Surgery in Seoul?

If you choose to go through with plastic surgery in Korea, I’d recommend working with a Medical Tourism company like Seoul Cosmetic Surgery. They arranged my pre-surgery testing which involved a urine test, a blood test, and an EKG. I actually went over on my lunch break the day before and had all that finalized with time to spare. On surgery day I arrived at TL Plastic Surgery at 11 AM. Mona and Dean from SCS were already there to greet me. We waited together as TL got all the details finessed.

Motiva Breast Implants in Seoul: Order of Events

I went upstairs where I got into a gown for “before” pictures. We took the photos at 5 different angles with various hand positioning.

I signed my medical release, had my final consultation, and got marked up for surgery.

We went downstairs to the waiting room where I changed into a horrible little paper thong, pants, and a wrap shirt for surgery.

We moved down to the operating room.

An IV was placed in my right hand with a heart-rate monitor on my finger.

After resting for a while under a bunch of blankets (I was very cold after anesthesia) I was able to go get changed upstairs. Mona helped me carry my things to the car (KakaoTaxi Black Mercedes c/o TL Plastic Surgery) and off we went to the hotel.

Stay tuned for my thoughts, feelings, and emotions after my Breast Implants surgery in Seoul! My recovery seems to have been a lot easier than many others. Have you had cosmetic or plastic surgery in Seoul or Korea? Do you have questions? Leave them for me in the comments section below, or connect with That Girl Cartier on Facebook!

Generally, I like the way I look. Having worked hard to drop weight when I came to Korea I felt good about my body. As a tall woman with a muscular, athletic frame, I didn’t always feel very feminine in my looks. For the past 15 years I’ve worn a padded bra simply because my breasts never seemed to come in. It might surprise you how many times I, an accidental Korean Beauty Blogger and small potato on the K-Beauty influencer scene, have been approached about partnering up for plastic surgery. I never felt like anyone took enough time with me to assess my needs or ask me what I wanted, until chatting with Mona.

When Mona from Seoul Cosmetic Surgery asked to work together, I still had the same sort of response. I have had several friends go through the procedure, but just wasn’t sure it was for me. Did I really want foreign objects inside my body forever? Was I ready to leave Korea kicking myself at having not gone through with it? What if they were too big? What if they weren’t big enough? How would my family deal if there was a problem mid-surgery? What if I left my friends and family with a giant Korean mess on their hands? What were the right questions to ask? I wrote an article about what I was considering, and was met with a flurry of comments from supportive friends and aggressively anti-surgery threads.

Why Breast Implants Were the Right Choice For My Body

With all the negativity coming from Facebook comments, I actually received a number of private messages from women in similar situations. I had no idea that there was even a problem until my shirt came off and my doctor said that it would be a complicated surgery.

“Tuberous breasts (or tubular breasts) are a result of a congenital abnormality of the breasts which can occur in both men and women (also see Hypoplasia), one breast or both. During puberty breast development is stymied and the breasts fail to develop normally and fully.” – Panchapakesan V, Brown MH

It turns out that tuberous (also known as “tubular”, “herniated areolar complexes”, “conical breast”, “domen nipple”, “lower pole hypoplasia“, “hypoplastic breasts”, or “constricted” breasts) are pretty common. I always said my breasts looked like sad puppies, but I was unaware another term for these were “Snoopy breasts”. Now I was going from a consultation where I wasn’t even sure I wanted the surgery, to panicking that it wasn’t even going to be possible.

Throughout this consultation, I got more information about the remaining steps should the breast augmentation surgery be approved by my surgeon to move forward. I would need to come in for one more consultation (for sizing and remaining questions), then a final appointment for a urine test, blood panel, and EKG (Electrocardiogram). After that, we’d take my “before” photos and get all set for surgery. Mona and Dean from Seoul Cosmetic Surgerywere at TL Plastic Surgerywith my surgeon, Dr. Yim Joonghyuk, and TL’s awesome English-speaking coordinator, Christina, for each appointment.

Breast Implants Concerns

My main concern when it came to the surgery was how I’d be “out” during throughout my breast implant procedure. It’s most common to be under general anesthesia, but I’ve heard of local anesthesia and sleep sedation for breast augmentation, too. It terrified me that there was a chance I’d wake up mid-surgery unable to communicate. I’m aware of how absolutely ridiculous that sounds, but I was signing myself up for elective plastic surgery. I’d be worried if I wasn’t worried at various steps throughout. What put my mind at ease was asking my plastic surgeon the following:

Questions to Ask a Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgeon

What size would you recommend for my body type? Provided you’ve already researched your surgeon and are working with a trusted medical tourism company like Seoul Cosmetic Surgery, there’s no reason not to take your surgeon’s opinion on size at face value. My surgeon told me that he would want my Motiva breast implants to be, at minimum, 380 cc (if not more!) I thought this was going to be way too big since my friends had gotten only 300 and they looked like massive porn star breasts. Well, considering my current breasts, my height, my body type, and the size of my rib cage and wide shoulders, my doctor was right on the money. I should have gone bigger (maybe 400?), but am honestly very happy with the way my breast implants look. They have appeared very natural since the end of the 2nd week. I was able to go back to the gym then and start power walking without too much discomfort. Before the 2 month anniversary, I was able to run 5 km again.

How will the implants be inserted? It’s very popular to go through the armpit in Korea because of Korean women’s small frames. For foreigners, under the breast insertion is recommended. This makes for a much less painful recovery, and a shorter one, too. The incision scars will also be less obvious.

How large will you make the incisions? With Motiva breast implants, it’s actually possible to have very small incisions. This means your scars won’t be very obvious. Mine are only visible if I raise my arms above my head. They’re pretty dark, but only about 4 cm on each side. On instagram I’ve seen surgeons boasting about incisions as small as 3 cm, so I think we’re doing pretty well!

How do I prepare for surgery? The only advice I got for this was not to smoke (I don’t smoke) or drink a week before surgery. I think more than that it’s important to prepare your body to undergo general anesthesia. Get 8 hours of sleep. Hit the gym. Eat healthy foods and avoid unnecessary junk. Hey – I can’t do it all the time, but when going under the knife it really helped to train my body and prepare properly.

How do I take care of myself post-surgery? Take it easy! Listen to your body and don’t over-do it, but also don’t baby yourself too much. Try to get back to regular, healthy, daily activities. It’s recommended that you don’t smoke and don’t drink for about a month. This really depends on how long they’ve got you on painkillers. Many doctors say you can return to almost all regular activity (yes- that kind)once you’re off pain medication.

What do I do with the stitches? Nothing! Just like when I had my appendix removed, my stitches were dissolvable. The roughest part of surgery is not being able to properly shower for a week. You must protect the incisions with waterproof bandaids. After a week, you’ll be able to shower. The surgical glue will fall off naturally when ready. In the shower you’ll need to softly rub it away. Make sure to follow up with bio-oil or vitamin E to treat the scarred area.

How often will I have follow up appointments? TL Plastic Surgery is very thorough and beyond the “after” photos and general check-ups, they also offered 3 laser treatments as part of my package. These are to help speed up the healing of my incision scars. I was scared, but they took all of 5 minutes and didn’t hurt a bit.

What kind of medication do I need to take? I was given a prescription for Tylenol 3 which includes codeine. I had some discomfort, but no real pain. I didn’t really want to take the pain medication, but felt it might improve the effects of the swelling. After 2 days it was back to work for me, so I stopped. I had 2 days of antibiotics cocktails 3 times a day, then a pack once a day for 2 weeks. I was also on a pill a day to ensure the implant itself didn’t harden. That’s something I took once a day for 2 months.

How Big Are My Breast Implants?

The most common regret when it comes to breast augmentation procedures (or a “boob job”) is not going big enough. Throughout my consultation I tried on many different sizes of implants under a tight shirt, but none were really indicative of the size they would be once the swelling was gone, my body relaxed, and I got back to the gym. Even though I have 320 cc’s in my right breast and 300 cc’s in my left, my overall breast size hasn’t dramatically increased. My surgeon was well aware that I didn’t want huge breasts getting in my way while exercising, teaching, or anything that would mean an entirely new wardrobe. Since I already wore a padded bra daily, I haven’t had to buy new clothes, I’ve just swapped out the underwire for sports bras (and it feels wonderful!) Not having to wear a bold piece of metal digging into each side daily is the biggest takeaway from this whole experience. I love the way my figure looks. It’s not a change anyone but me would notice, but I didn’t go through with this surgery for anyone else.

I’m Considering Breast Implants

Even Though Korea Made Me Love My Body

Before coming to Korea, I read plenty of articles about how Native English Teachers felt they weren’t beautiful enough to live in Korea. I work in Apgujeong (the ritzy part of Seoul) and see plenty of women with rhinoplasty or breast implants. I see men and women who have taken full advantage of the plastic surgery capital of the world. Ashley Perez, a Cuban/Filipino/Korean-American BuzzFeed celebrity wrote the first article I read on the topic. Kayla McColl was another blogger from the early days who I found while looking for places to find protein powder in Korea. She’s documented how her eating disorder began at home but intensified in Korea as she became a bikini fitness competitor. I think she’s removed a few of the articles that had me concerned and has replaced them with stories of how she turned it all around.

Breast Implants and My Fitness Journey

At 5’8″ and about 215 lbs, I was one of those “she’s got a pretty face, but…” characters. I was terrified that I’d get to Korea and be called a monster. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been called names by kids and adults alike, but those actually began when I was approaching a healthy weight. I’m not a small woman by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve worked very hard to learn about nutrition, develop fitness plans (including weight lifting and cardio…ugh, cardio…), and how to balance it all with a social life. Weighing in around 160 lbs now, I’m strong and confident in my fitness accomplishments in Korea. One thing (or a pair, in my case) is missing.

** Want to see the “before” pictures? Click any of the fitness links above ***

Top 5 Reasons Women Consider Breast Implants

Motiva (the brand of breast implants I’ll be getting) has included a list of the top 5 reasons women consider breast implants, and I have to say that they’re pretty spot on. While only 3/5 reasons currently apply, the parameters surrounding my breast augmentation make this surgery a no-brainer for me. I’ve worked hard to improve my body, but as those fitting room pictures will show you – I’m flat as a board.

I also can’t thank Mona and Dean at Seoul Cosmetic Surgery enough! This dynamic duo truly understands the unique needs of a foreigner in this type of situation. Dean has the contacts, language skills, and business clout, while Mona has the experience, business ethic, and femininity to understand my needs. They both work together seamlessly to ensure the needs to the patient are met while consulting with the clinic. I feel safe in their capable hands.

Breast Implants – To Look Better

Well…duh, right? Growing up, I always thought that I would just…fill out later. I was always a bit of a late bloomer. My teeth came in late, my period too, and I didn’t lose my baby fat until I was well into university. I thought my breasts were the same. Turns out I have constricted breasts. Also known as “tuberous breasts” (thanks, Doc), this congenital abnormality is thought to affect 1 to 5 per cent of breast augmentation patients. If everyone’s look like mine (sad puppies) I can understand why! I’ve never had any “false advertising” complaints, even though I’ve worn a padded bra my entire life. I would imagine most men and women with this condition let it go under the impression they just have crappy tits.

Increase Positive Self-image Perception

“We all know we have to love ourselves the way we are, period. We are unique and perfect already, and that is something that women considering breast augmentation need to understand before even going to the procedure. So first, you have to love yourself, and realize that a breast augmentation can improve physically the beauty you already own. When we feel in our best we increase our self-esteem and of course, our perception of our image and gain high confidence in the way.”

I’m not sure I could have put this better myself. I can run circles around Seoul and do squats til failure, but nothing is going to make “Wit” and “Candor” grow except weight gain or pregnancy. I’m avoiding both.

Correct Uneven Breasts

Most women have asymetrical breasts, but mine are kind of on another level. While both small, my right breast is significantly smaller than my left. This makes buying everything from bras to bikinis to ballgowns a hassle. Some places (rarely in Korea!) will let you buy a small top and medium (er…sometimes large) bottoms. When you’re working with two entirely different cup sizes, you’re not just in hot water at the beach.

About Motiva Implants® Silicone Breast Implants

State-of-the-art shell design that results in a strong and durable breast implant.

The most complex and advanced range of implant projections to meet the expectations of both the surgeon and patient.

Specialized choice of surface texturing, without the use of foreign materials that can damage the implant shell.

Motiva Implants® SilkSurface™ and VelvetSurface™ are unique surfaces obtained without the use of foreign materials like salt or sugar, with a controlled process designed for a better biocompatibility. Additionally, these nano-surfaces promote a more natural interaction between the implant and the surrounding tissue, allowing the implant to better adapt to the normal movement of the breast.

A New Kind of Confident

Korean beauty standards didn’t propel me to change who I am. This country has enabled me through time and financial flexibility to achieve personal goals. In Busan, I had the time to develop a fitness routine and the stamina to continue while navigating a much busier schedule in Seoul. Going to jimjilbangs (Korean baths) and seeing how little Korean women care about letting it all hang out gives me the confidence to do the same. Taking care of my skin properly and being open to botox has allowed me to look in the mirror and see the girl I’ve always been (rather than the old hag I saw in Osaka).

Plastic Surgery in Korea

I understand that for some Koreans there is a sad reality accompanying some plastic surgery procedures. Competition in the job market is fierce, and some will go under the knife to get a leg up over similarly qualified candidates. That’s not the case in my unique, and yes – privileged, position. Motiva breast implants are designed for active, confident women. They even have a section on their blog dedicated to post-op fitness. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: nobody has ever complained about the size of my breasts. I’ve only personally felt less feminine because of them. I may not be the woman I’ve always wanted to be (physically, emotionally, of career-wise), but I’m well on my way.